At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
Celebrate Holiday Cheer!
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a surge of that magical spirit that we often seek to recreate from our youthful memories. Whether it's the scents, sounds, lights, holiday festivities, or a combination of all, we tend to infuse our own family traditions with echoes of our own childhood experiences.
In our household, Christmas morning carries a special tradition. We prepare reindeer-shaped pan cakes for the kids, drenched in organic maple syrup, all while donning matching holiday pajamas. Even our two canine companions, Lucky and Max, get in on the festive attire. Following this heartwarming breakfast, we convene in our family room, adorned with a Christmas tree that the children helped select and decorate. It's here that we exchange our thoughtful Christmas presents. As our children grow, we discover that Christmas holds an even deeper significance, and it becomes a cherished opportunity to create lasting, love-filled holiday memories as a family. In the words of one of our favorite family movie classics, the Grinch from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," think about that "maybe Christmas doesn't come in a box"; it's so much more!
Wishing you a joyful and heartwarming Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year!
ANA MEYER AND JOHN MEYER , PUBLISHERS
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ben Meyer
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stephany Aznar
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Benjamin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Catering to Your Needs
city scene
4-5:
1: Jennifer, owner of Chatham's Mexican Spice at the Taste of Chatham at the Madison Hotel. 2: Morristown's 1776 participating in the Taste Of Chatham at the Madison Hotel. 3: Morristown's Simply Lisa's Catering and Portofino's Restaurant catering a ribbon cutting event in Morristown.
Rutgers marching band getting fans excited before the game at Rutgers Board Walk, SHI stadium. 6: Rutgers Football fans at the Rutgers Boardwalk pre-game festivities SHI stadium. 7: Rutgers Football game at the Rutgers SHI stadium.
Chopped Champion & Supermarket Stakeout Winner
Santa’s Flight Academy at the Short Hills Mall
Capture the magic of the season at Santa’s Flight Academy, November 7-December 24. The one-of-a-kind, immersive Santa photo experience enables children to dance in Santa’s magic mirror, turn into elite cadets to help Santa power his sleigh, chart his course for delivering presents to children around the world and, see themselves drive the sleigh as the presents are delivered. The experience ends with a magical snowfall dance party inside Santa’s sleigh. Reservations recommended: https:// whereissanta.com/mall/0035
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED
Your Needs Catering to
Chef Lauren Covas, winner 2 Food Network challenges & owner of Chef Covas Catering
After winning two Food Network competitions, Chopped & Supermarket Stakeout, garnering other awards, and owning a couple of restaurants, Chef Lauren Covas is now a full-time in-demand caterer based in Long Branch. Regardless of location or cuisine, she brings parties to a whole other level.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO BECOME A CHEF?
I grew up in a very vibrant old school Portuguese family. I’m first generation and, as with a lot of European families, food is the centerpiece of our lives. My mom and my grandmother are my biggest inspirations. They were always in the kitchen, so that’s where I got my first taste of it. I found such peace in the kitchen, so it just built that momentum for my future.
HOW DO YOUR DISHES STAND OUT?
A lot of times food can taste wonderful, but the presentation isn’t so great. I love art and working with my hands, and as a chef, you need both of those skills. You eat with your eyes first.
Everything’s homemade, and I love taking real ingredients and using those in multiple ways. Something as simple as cooking down white beans for a sofrito, or pureeing them for a creamy component of a dish.
Also, for holiday dishes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you can spruce them up. Everyone’s going to have the traditional sides or the things that they love, but I give them a new little flair.
For example, we can put the butternut squash soup in little shooters and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Or take that baked brie, and make it with a little bit of fresh raspberry compote, using it as a dip for crostini.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING AN EVENT CATERED?
I take something off your plate and you get to enjoy your own party. We have full service as well as just delivery. We talk about what’s important to you before your event and I make sure that those notes are hit on.
I also give you tips and tricks. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do a great table setting. Use mason jars as your vessel for flowers to give it that rustic vibe, or place a piece of lace on your table as a runner.
Different accent pieces pull the table together and give you that all around total magazine feel. So, putting your appetizers on cake stands give that height difference on your table.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COOKBOOK COMING OUT IN 2025.
Not Your Grandmother’s Table is a real homage to my grandmother and my mother and how I was raised. It also shows how I take the traditional dishes I grew up with and spruce them up for a more modern take.
IS YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED IN YOUR CAREER?
Yes, my husband Bill helps me with events when he’s not working, and my kids - Logan, who’s 14 and Gavin, who’s 11 - are both huge helps.
Check out @ChefLaurenCovas and schedule her for your own upcoming party!
EXCEPTIONAL
DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
ARTICLE BY BENJAMIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“I love the whole concept of ‘what grows together, goes together.’ If I'm having Italian or Spanish...I typically serve wines from that same region.”
Holiday Wines Done Right
Sandra Zotti shares pairing secrets, top bubbly picks, and trending wines.
Meet Sandra Zotti, an experienced sommelier, who has great advice for this holiday season. “I like to refer to myself as a wine educator and entertainer. My career in wine began 15 years ago. Today I run my own business where I teach about wine in a fun, informative and engaging way for corporate and private events. I also curate private wine collections and source wine for clients. My goal always is to educate and entertain people, while getting them excited for what is in their glass. “
TIPS FOR SELECTING WINE DURING HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS AND FOOD PAIRINGS?
“I love the whole concept of ‘what grows together, goes together.’ If I am having Italian or Spanish... I typically serve wines from that same region. The matching terroir and tradition create some of the most magical food and wine pairings. For example, a bottle of Nebbiolo with a truffle based dish. An herbaceous Sancerre with goat cheese. A dry lambrusco with Prosciutto di Parma. “
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN WINE SELECTIONS?
“Smaller production, hand harvested wines. Family-owned wineries, not these big names, mass-produced wines. Focus on what matters most - production and finding the purest expression of that grape without all the added fillers, dyes etc. typically used to manipulate a wine into tasting/looking a certain way. Cleaner, more focused, smaller production wine trend!”
WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUBBLY?
“If you’re on a budget, look for Crémant. Crémant is made in the same labor-intensive process as Champagne with the secondary fermentation happening in bottle as opposed to large tank and comes from 8 different regions in France. Think of Crémant as a fabulous way to get the “champagne experience” at a fraction of the cost. For proper Champagne, look for Grower Champagne which is made by the grape growers and their families, estate-owned fruit. “ sandra@sandrazotti.com , @svzotti to learn more.
MAGICAL FAMILY MEMORIES
A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR PEOPLE OF EVERY AGE
The Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families over the years. The New Jersey Ballet Company (NJBC) is celebrating its 53rd year at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown. NJBC performs throughout the state beginning in Bergen County and finishing with performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
“It’s quite exciting that we’re the resident ballet company at MPAC,” says Maria Kowroski, artistic director of the New Jersey Ballet Company since 2021 and former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, where she had performed in the Nutcracker many times. “It’s a beautiful theater and everybody involved aims to make this holiday classic a performance to remember.”
The late Carolyn Clark, who founded NJBC, previously stated, “In 1971, George Tomal, Joseph Carow and I believed New Jersey Ballet, which was established in 1958, was well-positioned to present this holiday tradition to New Jerseyans. Hence the birth of New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker. Messrs. Tomal and Carow created the choreography, which we still perform today, and the great Edward Villella was our first Cavalier! Today, we have been continuing their legacy at the beautiful Mayo Performing Arts Center”
In this enchanting story, which is set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, young Clara is given a Nutcracker from her uncle Drosselmeyer, and after she goes to bed, a magic spell takes effect.
In the ensuing storyline, fantastical characters such as giant mice, child-size soldiers, a Sugar Plum Fairy, and of course, the Nutcracker, who turns into a handsome prince, cavort and dance on stage to the audience’s delight. It’s a tale that transcends time, and resonates with people of all ages, sexes and religions.
When it’s over, it also lets the audience translate what really happened in their own way.
“It’s up to everybody’s interpretation to decide if it’s a dream [that Clara has] or if it really happened,” says marketing director, Kotoe Kojima-Noa, who has been with NJBC since 2001.
Its heartwarming, uplifting storyline has something for everyone, young and old. “A lot of people, after seeing it for the first time, make attending The Nutcracker a yearly tradition,” says Maria. “I think it’s a wonderful way to introduce children to ballet and the arts. Our production has children in it, so I think it encourages them to want to be a part of it. ”
One of their favorite parts, she says, is always the battle scene with the mice and the Nutcracker. Maria’s favorite part of the production is the snow scene, which she calls “magical.”
As a child, she actually played the role of Clara in the Nutcracker. “The music and the scene where everything starts to grow and come to life is really, really, emotional. The music sweeps you away and transports the audience. This is also one of my favorite parts and cherished memories as a young dancer.”
Theatergoers will come away with wonderful memories that they will cherish for years. It’s great entertainment, whether someone is a ballet aficionado or not, and being able to see it at The Mayo Performing Arts Center is a huge bonus.
It’s not only close to home, but very reasonably priced. There’s ample parking and a train station within walking distance for those who prefer to leave the car behind. Plus, since it’s in Morristown, there are plenty of restaurants to visit for a wonderful meal before or after a show.
Whether experiencing the Nutcracker for the 53rd time or the first time, the magic never gets old. “Anybody who’s returning year after year will see some changes along the way that will keep them coming back for more,” says Maria. “It’s just a wonderful time of the year and a wonderful holiday production to make a yearly tradition.”
See it on your own, with your loved one, or with your entire family. It’ll be a performance you won’t forget, and you may even dream about the Nutcracker yourself. Or maybe it won’t be a dream at all!
For more information and to buy your tickets, go to MayoArts.org.
“IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THEATER AND EVERYBODY INVOLVED AIMS TO MAKE THIS HOLIDAY CLASSIC A PERFORMANCE TO REMEMBER.”
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Backed by “The Signature Way,” Giselle is committed to providing elevated service every step of the way. Whether buying or selling, trust Giselle to guide you confidently through your real estate goals with excellence and dedication.
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Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
DIY HOLIDAY GIFTING
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Cookie Mix
DIY Jar gifts are a thoughtful way to share holiday cheer this season. These particular jar gifts require JUST ADD WATER as instructions for an easy homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.
Hot Cocoa
COOKIE MIX JAR
• store bought cookie mix (labeled add water only). Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased).
HOT COCOA JAR
• hot cocoa mix
• chocolate chips
• mini marshmallows
Instructions: over stove top, bring water (or milk) to a simmer. Add cocoa mix and stir until chocolate chips have melted. Top with marshmallows. Enjoy!
BREAKFAST JAR
• pancake mix
• maple syrup
Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased). Top with warmed maple syrup.
POTPOURRI JAR
• pine cones
• dried or fresh greens
• dried citrus
• cinnamon sticks
• star anise
• whole cloves
Add instructions to place contents into a pot on the stove with 8 cups of water. Simmer low for a wonderful holiday aroma.
CANDLE JAR
• Floating candle
• Greens
• Dried citrus and berries
Add water to the jar and light candle to enjoy on a dark winter night.
LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create and give to your family and friends. Tag her on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so she can share. Happy Holidays!
Breakfast Jar
Potpourri Jar
Candle Jar
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
The Naughty List
INGREDIENTS
• Bronson’s Original Punch 2oz
• Laird’s Applejack 1oz
• El Guapo Creole Orgeat .50oz
• El Guapo Holiday Bitters 6 dashes
• Cranberry Juice 2oz.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice.